Now Commenting On:

Felix, position players to report Friday

PEORIA, Ariz. -- Felix Hernandez was given Thursday off from camp as he flew back to Arizona from the Wednesday press conference in Seattle announcing his seven-year, $175 million contract extension.

But Hernandez will be on the field Friday, manager Eric Wedge said, as the Mariners finish up the pitchers and catchers portion of Spring Training.

All position players are to report and take physicals Friday, and the first full-squad workout will be Saturday. Most of the position players were already in camp, with Franklin Gutierrez, Michael Morse, Raul Ibanez and Jason Bay among the final arrivals Thursday.

Most of the younger position players -- like Dustin Ackley, Kyle Seager, Justin Smoak, Michael Saunders, Casper Wells, Eric Thames, Alex Liddi and Carlos Peguero -- have been working out informally all week, along with veteran shortstop Brendan Ryan.

The only veteran position players not seen by mid-afternoon Thursday were newly acquired infielders Kendrys Morales and Robert Andino, though they're expected in time for Friday's physicals.

Two non-roster invitees -- catcher Ronny Paulino and right-handed reliever Jhonny Nunez -- missed their second straight day of pitchers and catchers work, as both are having visa issues getting out of the Dominican Republic.